Fire Flies

When I saw this picture I thought it was beautiful. But more than that, it brought back a funny memory for me. Never mind that when I was a kid my cousins and I would catch fire flies at night time on the hill top where we lived in Maine. Never mind the times my Dad and I sat on his screened in porch in the pitch blackness just to watch them. There was one time that just for a moment, I forgot they even existed.

I was an adult, and had spent most of my life in Florida. I'd gone home one summer to visit my dad. In the country it's very dark. He lived on a dirt road that didn't have lights. You could actually see the stars in the sky. It was beautiful! Anyway, when you turned out the lights to go to bed, it was pitch dark.

Okay, I'll admit that I'm a scardy cat. I've always been afraid of the dark. It didn't help that I was in the middle of reading some horrible horror story, either. I had this routine. I would prepare the bed just right, then turn out the light and jump into bed. I'd immediately pull the covers over my head and close my eyes.

You know how it is when you turn the lights out. Eventually I pulled the covers back far enough to look about the room and my eyes adjusted until I could see. The bed was right next to the open window. I could clearly hear a dog barking in the distance. Rarely a car would drive by. But then I noticed something.

I literally held my breath. What were those flashing little lights in the window? They were trying to get in! I was so scared I couldn't move. And the stupidest thoughts went through my head. Did I tell you I have an over active imagination? Guess that's why I'm a writer:) Anyway, I somehow convinced myself aliens had landed and they were trying to get in through the window! What else could it be?

Then, in a flash, I realized what I was seeing and settled down. The next thing I knew I was laughing at myself. Somehow fire flies had become trapped between the screen and the window.

It's funny what you can forget until you're faced with it again.

A lady about 8 months pregnant got on a bus. She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her. She immediately moved to another seat. This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again. The man seemed more amused. When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing, she complained to the driver and he had the man arrested.

The case came up in court. The judge asked the man (about 20 years old) what he had to say for himself.

The man replied, 'Well your Honor, it was like this, when the lady got on the bus, I couldn't help but notice her condition. She sat down under a sign that said, 'The Double Mint Twins are coming' and I grinned. Then she moved and sat under a sign that said, 'Logan's Liniment will reduce the swelling,' and I had to smile. Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said, 'William's Big Stick Did the Trick,' and I could hardly contain myself. But, Your Honor, when She moved the fourth time and sat under a sign that said, 'Goodyear Rubber could have prevented this Accident'... I just lost it.'

'CASE DISMISSED!!'

OMG

Boy, does this picture bring back memories, and why I hated PE in school. I actually had to wear a gym uniform exactly like this! It was dark blue, one piece and so uncomfortable. Gee...I think I had the same hairdo, too! LOL

Book Cover of the Month

Hey folks, July is almost over and I just checked the status of the book cover for "THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER". There's only 1 other cover ahead of it right now. If you haven't voted please do! It's just for fun but I'd love for the cover to win:) Thanks!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rb_afterdark/surveys?id=2398381

Today was MY day!

For my highly anticipated pedicure and hair cut. I can't tell you how much I look forward to getting my feet done every three weeks. I mean, they're probably the most abused part of my body, or anyone else for that matter. Poor feet. Think about it. They have to carry us around all day, crammed in suffocating socks and shoes, or tortured in heels all for the sake of looking good. I would go bare foot or in flip flops all the time if I could.

I will not be one of those women you see walking around in sandals with cracked heels and thick callouses! I won't!

The woman who works on my feet owns the shop and she does a top notch job. Takes her time and uses all kinds of tools of them to remove rough skin and make them smell nice. Boy, my toes sure look pretty with their new coat of pink polish on them. My toe ring and ankle bracelet complete the picture of well pampered feet. For today at least:)

I can hardly wait for next time!

Condoms

LOL...hubby threw me for a loop tonight! I told him I was going to Wal-Mart to pick up a couple things and asked him if he needed anything. He said, yeah, get me a box of condoms. I just looked at him, speechless. We haven't used condoms in years. I can't get pregnant and he can't make me pregnant. I waited for him to explain. He just smiled and stubbornly remained silent until I finally asked him what size he wanted. "Large," he replied. Then I knew something was up:)

What do you need condoms for? I need them for the sprinkler heads. Then he explained that a couple of the heads needed repair and he wanted to slip the condoms over the tops to keep the dirt out. He said when he was in the service he slipped them down over his rifle to keep the rain out.

What a smart man I'm married to!

"ALL THE RIGHT MOVES"

IS BOOK OF THE DAY OVER AT AUTHOR ISLAND THURSDAY THE 24TH! THREE COPIES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY SO HEAD OVER THERE FOR DETAILS. http://www.authorisland.com/

Pandemonium

I talk too much. My hubby says I'd make a good witness. I've tried, I really have, but I just can't seem to answer a yes or no question with a yes or no answer! I end up telling a story. He says I give too much information and has coached me more than once before I talk to someone on the phone, especially if it's like someone at the bank or insurance company. Then he'll stand there and shake his head with disgust when I don't follow the "script" he's laid out.

I know he's right. I do the same thing at work when I have to e-mail someone. I have to admit I've gotten better though. Before I send it I go over it and delete the "extra" stuff.

I'm a repeater, too:)

Almost Two!

Just had to post this picture of my little Alivia! She has a smile that just melts my heart:) One look at her and everything is good in the world. She'll be two on August 3.

First Excerpt for "WICKED DESIRE"

...Due out in Oct!


“What the hell are you doing here?”

“I live here now,” she admitted softly.

Matt felt her slight tremble beneath his hand, which was still on her shoulder. “What do you mean, you live here?” he demanded, his gaze lowering once again to the parted softness of her pretty mouth.

A need to taste those lips shot through him, so overwhelmingly that Matt clenched his teeth to hold down a groan. His body tightened with desire, a feeling that had never truly extinguished since meeting her. Something about Maggie had gotten to him. He’d even gone back to her apartment before leaving Bangor, only to find her gone. Tracking her down had proved futile, since she’d left without leaving a return address. He supposed he could have found her if he’d pursued it.

“You know, as in, I moved here. Just a few days ago as a matter-of-fact. I have family in this area and this cabin belonged to my grandmother. What are you doing here?”

“I was born here. I spent the last five years in Bangor but decided I didn’t like it.” He wasn’t about to go into the details because they would include Janey’s death.

“A good ole country boy at heart, huh?” She smiled up at him, those beautiful eyes sparkling with good humor and mischief. Matt could hear Dammit barking and scratching at the door to get out. He felt Maggie reach behind her for the old porcelain knob.

His hand closed over hers, preventing Maggie from opening the door. He leaned in close, grinning. “You’re not thinking of unleashing that mean little terror on me, are you Red?”
Another couple of inches and he’d be leaning full length against her. And if he did that, God help her.

Her gaze went from his eyes to his mouth and back again. “Why would you think that?” she whispered, catching her breath as he started to lower his face.

“You were running from me,” Matt reminded her. He stopped just inches away from her lush mouth, breathing in deeply, stealing her breath as she released it through trembling lips.

A husky laugh rushed from Maggie. “You’re not wearing a uniform now. You’re probably safe this time.”

Matt wanted to ask, safe from what?

He didn’t realize he’d spoken the words out loud until Maggie replied, “Surely you’re not afraid of little ole me?” she teased, tilting her head back as far as the door would allow so she could meet his eyes. She followed her comment with the outrageous batting of her long eyelashes.

The lady was dangerous and Matt knew he was in trouble. Big trouble. He should take a step away from her but took one closer instead. Was he crazy? Another inch and he’d have that devil may care Maggie Myers sandwiched between the hard door and his hard body. He bet that would wipe the smile off her face. His cock jumped as though to say, what was he waiting for?

An image flashed through his mind, of the two of them making love, here and now, standing up against the door. Out in the open with no one but Mother Nature around to witness the fire works. Matt shook his head to clear it, forcing himself back to the present before he made his dream into a reality.

His gaze focused on the woman in front of him and he growled between his teeth. “I don’t think Summerfield’s going to be big enough for the both of us.” Why couldn’t he be attracted to a normal woman, instead of the impish baggage of trouble in front of him?

His comment, meant to wipe the smile off Maggie’s beautiful face, only made her grin wider and her eyes glitter. “If you’re worried about it, then why are you here?”

Why indeed. Matt supposed if he’d had time to think about it he wouldn’t be there. But he never could back down from a challenge. If she hadn’t run away from him he’d probably still be back at the church, trying to coach a team of youths determined to get into trouble. He’d reacted without thinking. Dangerous for a lawman...

EXCERPTS

Hey everyone! I just added hot new excerpts of my books on my brand new website. Check them out if you're interested.

www.debbiewallace.homestead.com/

The Economy

Is a scary thing these days. Maybe I'm naive but when gas prices sky rocketed I didn't know what a domino effect it would have to the rest of the word. I'm talking with regard to businesses, jobs, our personal lives. Oh, I knew some things would be effected, but gosh, now it's getting down right scary! And it's just starting.

My hubby keeps telling me to watch it. Meaning, of course, my spending. I'm making good money but all of a sudden everything else has gone up to a ridiculous point. I used to make it to work and back on a tank of gas that ran $26, now it's closer to $50. Groceries for the two of us has jumped from $80 a week to around $120 for the same stuff. If anything we've cut back.

I've noticed small mom and pop businesses that have been around for like, ever, are closing their doors. And they're not re-locating! Big companies are laying off people. I have a friend who has worked at the same job for 6 years. The other day they let her go with $5000. Now you're thinking, well, she got something. That should carry her for a while. Okay, what about the health benefits she lost? This is a person who had a heart transplant 10 years ago and takes thousands of dollars worth of meds a month to stay alive. How is she going to survive?

Another friend works for a huge company that hands out generous bonus checks to their employees every month based on their productivity. Unfortunately it's not individual, which means they put everyone in the same pot. You might have one person who excels and another one who could care less. Their bonuses are based on the whole team. For the first time in her 5 years with the company she didn't get a bonus last month. She couldn't make her car payment. What's going to happen if next month is the same?

Houses aren't selling, now is the time to buy but people can't afford to buy. People who've fought to keep their credit good are going to be forced to make a decision that will ruin it in order to survive. Drop things they need like insurance, take the meds they need every other day instead of every day. Get rid of their beloved pets because they can't afford to feed them anymore. It sounds ludicrous but it's a fact becoming more apparent every day.

A sad fact that the economy will get worse before it gets better.

I'm Editing!

You know what that means, another book closer to its release date. "WICKED DESIRE" will be out in October. I should be receiving the book cover any day now. Can't wait to see it!

Keep your fingers crossed because I just submitted "THE COWBOY WAY" to a publisher. The hero is a cowboy...I hear they're popular:) If accepted it will be published under Tory Richards, too.

Gotta Love It!

Two Massachusetts businessmen in Saugus were sitting down for a break in their soon-to-be new store. As yet, the store wasn't ready, with only a few shelves set up.

One said to the other, 'I bet any minute now some idiot tourist is going to walk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we're selling.'

No sooner were the words out of his mouth when, sure enough, a curious Maine tourist walked to the window, had a peek, and in a thick Downeast accent asked 'By-gawd, whatcha sellin'?'

One of the men replied sarcastically, 'We're selling ass-holes.'

Without skipping a beat, the Mainer said, 'Well, you're doin' a good job, you've only got two left!'

BIG Contest Going on Over at Author Island!

Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy birthday AuthorIsland, happy birthday to us!!!

We're having a party - and if there's anything we here at AuthorIsland.com know how to do, it's celebrate! We have celebrated fantastic authors, wonderful books and great new releases every day for two years now, so we have lots of practice! So, what's the best way to celebrate a very special birthday??? A very special giveaway!!!!

We're turning TWO in July so, we're giving away TWO, are you ready for this, TWO AMAZON KINDLES this month!!! TWO!

Also this month, TWO very lucky AuthorIsland.com readers are going to win A BOOK A WEEK FOR A YEAR!!! - That's right! One book will be mailed to the winners every single week for one year!!!! How fun is that???

Bet you're wondering about how to enter.... well all the details you need are on the AuthorIsland.com Contests page, come on over and check out all the fun going on over at the Island - we have books and authors galore in just about every genre of fiction there is, we have excerpts and trailers and interviews and chats, we have a free stuff page with details on how you can get a fabulous box of goodies for only the cost of postage, we have two full pages of fun contests and, on top of all that, we give away a book a day, everyday right on the front page!
What's not to love?

http://www.authorisland.com/

Romance Junkies Blog

I'm showcased there today! Visit and leave a comment to receive your gift. Make sure you email me later so I can send it to you:)


http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

"WICKED DESIRE"

Due out in October 2008...

Running away from a marriage gone badly, a dangerous ex-husband, and a crime infested neighborhood Maggie isn't looking to replace any of it. Until she runs into the sexiest man on the planet. The problem? He's determined to ignore the instant attraction between them, even though it's hot enough to melt the sun!

Hoping that a new beginning in a small town will help him get on with his life without the woman he loves, Matt is running away, too. What he hadn't counted on was running into a free spirit whose zest for life chips away at the protective shell surrounding his heart. Before long he gives in to the fierce hunger simmering between them and their fate is sealed.

Only, will Maggie's stalking ex end their chance for happiness before it begins?

I love my husband...I love my husband...I love my

husband...oh! It's a good thing I love the old fart. Lately he's been acting, odd for the lack of a better word. Doing the laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning out the cat box, having dinner waiting for me when I get home from work. You see, he's been retired for 30 years, I still have 10 years to go before I have that privilege. So he has a lot more time on his hands for all those fun things.

It's not that hubby doesn't do those things anyway, only it's one or the other. NOT all of them at the same time. After all, he doesn't want to spoil me:) If I didn't know better I'd think the man was having an affair or something and felt guilty.

Tonight I came home to home made spaghetti with sausage. It was good, and it was EVERYWHERE! God love that man, he doesn't see that well. Either that or he pretends he can't see. How many times have I picked something up that he's dropped only to hear when I question him about it, "I didn't see it?" Too many. I'm not stupid.

Since he cooked, he's always quick to say "since I cooked you clean up". I don't remind him that I have to clean up when I cook. I washed the dishes, counter tops, stove top, the side of the microwave where the sauce splashed, (we have white appliances) the stove, the can opener, the fronts of the cabinets (have off white cabinets, too). I'll have to leave the curtains for wash day.

Didn't take long to clean up and the spaghetti was worth it:) But I still can't help wonder what's going on.

Happy Place?

Do you have one? Is it a place, a thought you can lose yourself in, a sound that triggers something wonderful? What does it take to send you to your happy place? Is it a taste of something smooth and warm, or a gentle, lingering touch? The smell of something that reaches your soul?

Everyone has a happy place. Probably more than one. Just this afternoon after getting home from work I entered my happy place. If only for a few moments. I turned the TV off and reclined back in my old chair, closed my eyes and I was there. My time. Where no one can invade my thoughts.

I love storms. The sound of rain falling from the sky. The wind howling outside, the sight of the trees swaying. I love the flashes of lightning dividing the sky, frightening while exciting. I love the sound of thunder booming through the house, shaking the windows with its anger.

We had a brief but fierce rain storm and I let myself go to my happy place. Where everything is peaceful and good.

Where just for a moment I let myself get lost in the moment.

Amazing!

Mother Nature at her finest. I thought these pictures were cool!

My Favorite Alfred Hitchcock Movie

Is The Birds. I just watched it for the umpteenth time yesterday. Hubby rolled his eyes as if to say, you've already seen it. Well, he doesn't watch his war movies over and over again? Of course, "that's history", he tells me. "I should watch because I'll learn something". For those of you who haven't seen the classic I posted a youtube video bar further down the page on the right hand side. It was filmed in Bodega Bay, California. I have friends who actually live there.

Take the time to watch some of the clips.

LAUNCHING A NEW WEBSITE

Hi everyone! The link to my new website is below. After three plus years I decided my old website just wouldn't do anymore. Check the new one out and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

http://debbiewallace.homestead.com/

Book Cover of the Month

Hi everyone, my book cover for "THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER" is up for bookcover of the month over at Romance Bistro After Dark. I could sure use some votes if you happen to agree. There's a total of 8 book covers in the running. Below are the links to view the books and to vote.

I'd really appreciate your support:)

view all book covers link -http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/rb_afterdark/photos/view/23bb?b=1

voting link - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rb_afterdark/surveys?id=2398381

Thanks!
Debbie

A MESSAGE BY GEORGE CARLIN

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less.

We plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

The Ten Books You Should Read Before You Die

Okay, I haven't read any of these books but I did see the movie "GONE WITH THE WIND", "THE STAND" "TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD" and one part of "THE LORD OF THE RINGS". I was shocked not to see "THE YEARLING" in this mixture. I mean, that's a classic! I saw that movie, too.